Football: Eric Bieniemy's presence motivated CU Buffs

Offensive coordinator brought emotion to sidelines during win

You have to really lean in and listen closely to what the Colorado offensive coordinator is saying to hear the message.

The question the running backs can't figure out is: How is Bieniemy still able to scream at them?

"That's a good one to start it off," Tony Jones said with a laugh. "I don't know."

Moving down from the press box helps. Bieniemy's presence on the sideline improved the Buffs' communication and demeanor during last Saturday's 35-34 victory at Washington State.

"It's what we expected, just all that energy and emotion," Christian Powell said. "He brought it, and the players definitely felt it."

After producing a lot of hot air talking about establishing a running game, CU's offense was able to deliver a cold-blooded comeback win with balanced and explosive play-calling.

Jordan Webb's 70-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nick Kasa sparked the dramatic fourth-quarter turnaround. But it was Jones' 84-yard touchdown run -- on his first carry of the game -- that stunned the Cougars into submission.

"To not have a carry coming in to that point and then to make a huge play, great job by Tony," Bieniemy said. "I tell you one thing, these kids work hard. That's something that no one sees. I know the outcome hasn't been the way everyone would like it to be. But we have faith and we have belief that we can get it done."

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Jones began the season as Bieniemy's clear-cut starter at tailback. Then he suffered an injury in the opener against Colorado State.

That allowed Powell to break into the starting lineup against Sacramento State. The true freshman, who was recruited as a fullback, rushed for 147 yards and three touchdowns in his debut.

Jones watched the 69-14 loss to Fresno State helplessly from the sideline before his number was finally called again in Pullman, Wash.

"I was hurt last week that I didn't play," Jones said. "I just worked harder. I was in the training room getting treatment twice a day and doing a lot of stuff on my own. The training staff definitely did an awesome job of taping me up and letting me go."

Jones finished with four carries for 105 yards and the key touchdown against Washington State. Only Cliff Branch, who rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on two carries on Nov. 6, 1971 against Kansas, has reached the century mark on fewer attempts for CU.

Webb added two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner with nine seconds left. Powell finished with 66 yards on the ground and a sigh of relief when Kasa fell on his fumble during the final drive.

"We need to get a good mixture going. Obviously, Tony got off to a slow start, got a little banged up. Christian has gotten off to a good start," Bieniemy said. "It has been a while since we've seen the fresh legs and it would be good to get that going."

Josh Ford only had one carry for seven yards last week. In mop-up duty against Fresno State the sophomore had 61 yards and a touchdown.

"I love it. We all compete and when you see other guys doing that, you want to do better. So we're all pushing each other," Ford said. "Nobody even really knew that Tony was back. You aim for me and Christian, here comes Tony. You aim for Tony, you might have someone else coming at you. We all bring something different to the run game. It's fun."

CU head coach Jon Embree quickly forgave Ford for drawing a penalty by wandering off the sideline onto the field while celebrating Jones' touchdown.

"The main thing is they are all physical runners, and I think Eric has done a good job in that room, they pull for each other," Embree said. "They add a different element when each guy is in the game. It is good to have fresh legs in there when you are running the football like we are trying to get done."

Now the Buffs will try to keep the good times rolling against UCLA.

The Bruins have a talented front seven but are currently ranked 10th in the Pac-12 in rushing defense, allowing 173.8 yards per game.

It's time to refocus and listen closely to what the offensive coordinator is preaching this week.

"A defense doesn't know how to prepare for it when you have a big guy, a smaller guy, and the mixture of a Josh Ford," Bieniemy said of his emerging backfield rotation. "That kind of changes the perspective on everything."

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